Bayete estate wedding – Willem & Christemari

In Afrikaans we have a saying. “Hoe rooier, hoe mooier. ” Loosely translated into English it means that more red is more beautiful.

It is so strange that red is the colour of love, yet, one VERY seldom see that at weddings. Willem & Christemari decided they will change that. Their whole theme was red and white…and it was BEAUTIFUL. The white symbolised purity. The red roses and arum lilies looked absolutely stunning in the hand bouquet. The table center pieces had babies breath red roses and gerberas in it. It was big and beautiful. Strangely red is not either of the two’s favourite colour.

Bertha is Christemari’s aunt, she did all the flowers, and she brought it all from Klerksdorp. Job well done Bertha. Pick A Flower Bloemiste  018 468 3980

Eloise is Willem’s cousin, she is actually a hairdresser, but for this wedding the couple asked her to be the wedding coordinator. And let me tell you one thing, she did a better job than a lot of fulltime wedding coordinators I know. Everything was running like clockwork

They got married at the beautiful Bayete estate in Erasmia in Pretoria. It is a day spa, and a wedding venue.The food was very nice (Christemari is a chef, so obviously Bayete had to pull all the stops out to impress her) , lots of places to take photos, and it is close to town, yet, you get the feeling that you are far from anything.

Willem and Christemari clearly love each other VERY much. This was also evident from Willem’s ring. He got the manufacturer to deep etch Christemari’s name on the outside of his ring. I’ve seen people doing name engraving on the inside, but outside, never before.

Christemari’s hair and make up was done by  CaptureColour (Zara) Cell: 081 493 0848

While the ladies was getting dressed and getting their make up and hair done Willem and the men (groomsmen Ruan and Heinrich, father Daan and father in law Jacques)had a few drink and just spend a leisurely time together. I always feel sorry for the men on the wedding day. They have less to do than the woman, and that gives them more time to stress. LOL

Final preparations. Christemari is almost ready to meet her prince. Her mom Christine and her bridesmaids Jacqueline, Coral and Aley is making sure she looks like a million dollars.

And after a long romance that started in July 2009 Willem could finally put the wedding ring on Christemari’s finger. Mr and Mrs Storm at last.

They at first met on Mixit and chatted for a long time before meeting, lengthy telephone conversations followed. But, Willem stayed in Cape Town, and Christemari in Pretoria. Willem said he will meet her, but Christemari could’t believe it. Cape Town was to far. But Willem had other plans, he booked a plane ticket to Pretoria, and before she knew it Christemari and her mom were on their way to meet Willem at the Mugg and Bean in Brooklyn Mall. Their relationship just went into second gear (or was this 3rd already?) Willem now flew up to Pretoria once a month to come and visit her. 6 months later, and he had enough. Willem moved to Pretoria without having a job or a place to stay. But they could now see each other more regularly.

And then it was time for the shoot. And lots and lots of kisses for the new Mr and Mrs.

I asked them about them engagement:

The proposal wasn’t planned it just happened. Christemari knew about the ring and knew that I was going to ask her to marry me but I had to tell a small lie when I fetched the ring from the jewelers. I phoned Christemari and told her that the ring will only be back at the jewelers about a week later even though I already got the ring. Otherwise she would know if I try and organize anything. I got the ring the afternoon of the 27th May 2014. Showed her parents the ring when I got home send n picture for my parents. After supper Christemari got hold of me in the kitchen and asked when will we be getting engaged. At that moment her dad called her and asked her something. I took the ring from my jacket pocket and into the trousers pocket. When she got back into the kitchen I went down on one knee and asked her if she would do me the honor of marring me. I don’t think she heard a thing what I said as she was already saying yes before I opened my mouth. Only at the engagement party she actually heard what I asked her.

A radiant Christemari in the veld just outside Bayete, happy, in love, and a future together with hubby Willem awaiting her. Do you think her smile could be any bigger? She got her beautiful dress ar St Lorient in Brooklyn Mall. Christemari obviously like Brooklyn Mall…LOL

Meet Coral, Christemari’s best friend, and bridesmaid. She and Christemari is such good friends, she tattooed the word “Babe” on her chest. In honour of her friend. She said she was a little jealous of Willem at first, but she saw they were good together. What a privilege to have a good friend like this. Someone you can share anything with. Like the saying goes: “if you die one day and you can say you had one good friend, you are privileged indeed” (Red suits you very well Coral)

I don’t know what this was all about, I can’t imagine these tow ever having an argument, but they wanted a photo with boxing gloves on. Nice straight jab there Christemari…you better behave Willem. LOL

I asked them about the highlights of the wedding.

1. The I do.
2. The Photoshoot ( JC you just knew how to get all of us in the right places) Thanks Christemari, you guys were so awesome together, chemistry is the word. JC
3. The food
4. We will never forget the first dance
5. Willem said the moment he saw his bride walking down the isle will be etched into his mind forever.

After all the speeches, and the eating, the party started, and did everyone enjoy themselves.

I asked the couple if they have any advise for you reading this busy planning your wedding:

1. Make 100% sure the DJ you choose knows what type of music you and the guests enjoy.
2. Groom make sure you have a handkerchief on the day with you (your wife will need it).
3. The bride must make sure that her bridesmaids have baby wipes, lip gloss and hair pins, you will need it

For their honeymoon they went to Avalon Springs in Montagu for the first week, spend some time with their grandparent and enjoyed the wine lands and hot springs.